Sony A850, A550 and A500 DSLRs Cameras Released [Sony's High-end Alpha DSLR Series Get New Models]

Sony today announced extensive additions to the top end of its Alpha DSLR spectrum by adding the new Sony A850, A550 and A500 DSLR cameras.

The A850 is similar to the A900 model released earlier this year. It features the same full frame, 24.6-megapixel sensor, sensor image stabilization and dual processors. However, to cut costs, the new Sony A850 has a viewfinder that provides 98% coverage rather than the full image. It has a 3-inch LCD with live view, shoots at up to 3fps at full resolution and works with both CF and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. The A850 will be available in September.

As for the A550 and the A500, they’re mid-tier, crop-frame DSLRs targeting mainstream photographers that come between the high end A700 and the budget A300 series. The two cameras are distinguished by their shooting speed and resolution. The new Sony A550 can snap 14.2MP images at 7fps, and has a preview LCD with nothing less than 921,000 pixels. On the other hand, Sony A500 can snap 12.3MP images at 3fps and comes packed with a 230,000 pixels LCD. Both models will ship in October.

The cameras are priced at $2000, $950, $750 for the A850, A550 and A500 respectively.